Kanye West Unveils His “Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” Album Cover

Kanye West is almost done recording “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” and shared the album’s artwork with his fans today.

He posted the image on Twitter writing,“They banned my album cover…They don’t want me chilling on the couch with my phoenix.”

The artwork was illustrated by artist George Condo (who also did the “Power” artwork) and depicts a Werewolf looking Kanye holding a green bottle being straddled by what he says is a phoenix.

“I know that cover just blew y’all minds … I wish ya’ll could see how hard I’m smiling right now!!!” he wrote later. Anticipating backlash for the bare breast West rationalized, “In the 70s album covers had actual nudity. It’s so funny that people forget that. Everything has been so commercialized now.”

He made no mention of the racial undertones that he’s obviously exploiting for shock value. But according to West this version of the album will be kept out of certain retail outlets.

“In all honesty. I really don’t be thinking about Wal-Mart when I make my music or album covers. #KanyeShrug”

He did not say if an alternative version would be created. The album will be released on November 22, 2010.